According to a new mandate effective March 16, representatives who want their fees paid directly by Social Security need to file appeals electronically.

This electronic filing requirement is limited to requests for reconsideration or hearing by an administrative law judge for disability applicants under Title II of the Social Security Act, or Supplemental Security Income applicants based on disability or blindness under Title XVI of the Act, which are denied for medical reasons.

The new requirement will save time and money for representatives, as well as provide an instant receipt for the appeal.

For fiscal year (FY) 2013, Social Security is requesting $11.76 billion for administrative expenses, a modest increase from 2012.

Despite receiving appropriations far below what the President requested in FY 2011 and FY 2012, we have achieved some remarkable results. For example, we have drastically reduced the time claimants wait for a hearing decision. In 2011, we cut the average wait below one year for the first time since 2003. Wait times were also down in field offices and on our 800-number. Through the hard work of our employees and technological advancements, we have increased employee productivity by an average of about 4 percent in each of the last five years.

To be clear, this budget request for FY 2013 is lean. Even if Congress provides this level of funding we will not be able to accomplish everything we would like for the American people. We have already curbed lower priority activities so we can continue to achieve our most important goals—eliminating the hearings backlog and focusing on program integrity work.

Social Security is joining with Federal, State, and local government agencies and national organizations to celebrate the 14th annual National Consumer Protection Week, March 4 — 10. During the week, organizations share tips and information that help consumers protect their privacy, manage money and debt, and avoid identity theft, frauds, and scams.

Learn more about National Consumer Protection Week and how you can help your clients protect themselves at www.ncpw.gov